How to make a memory box to remember a loved one
Making a memory box can help keep the memory of a loved one alive. Find out how in our article.
When a loved one dies, many people look for ways to remember them. It can be an important part of the grieving process and help you to face a future without them.
One way to do this is with a memory box. This is a box filled with special memories of the person who died.
In this article, we take a look at memory boxes – how to make one, what to include and where to keep it. We hope it helps you in your grief journey.
Why make a memory box?
The main purpose of a memory box is to remember. But they have other advantages, too.
Many people find it difficult to start sorting through the personal belongings of a person who's died. A memory box can help you begin this process.
Grief takes time. Sometimes, the ways we remember loved ones can feel rushed or over too soon. A memory box, by contrast, can be an ongoing project. You can work at your own pace, picking it up and putting it down as appropriate.
Making a memory box can help you reflect on your relationship with the person who died. It puts you in touch with the objects, photos and memories they've left behind.
A memory box also helps you keep mementoes safe.
Ultimately, a memory box can help you keep the memories of your loved one alive and help you to begin to face a future without them.
How to make a memory box
If you decide to make a memory box, your first decision is what the box will be. It can be a physical box, a jar or a drawer. This can be decorated with labels or images.
It can also be a digital space: a folder on iCloud or Google Drive, for instance, or a USB stick.
It can also be a
memorial web page. This is a service we offer at Treasured Moments. It's a digital memorial filled with photos, videos and testimonials to commemorate a loved one.
What to include in a memory box
Once you've decided what your memory box will be, you need to choose what to put in it. In some ways, this is the most difficult part.
When a person dies, they often leave behind lots of personal possessions. On top of this, you will probably have many photos, keepsakes and other objects connected to them. How can you choose which ones to put in the memory box?
The most important thing here is that there's no right or wrong way to do it. The memory box is for you – not for anyone else.
You can still include friends or family members in the process. But if it's your memory box, you get to choose what goes in and what stays out.
The contents could reflect the interests of the person who died. It could focus on shared memories – photos, tickets, certificates and so on. Or it could include things that remind you of them.
For many people who make a memory box, choosing which items to include can be part of the grieving process. By looking through and selecting objects, you reflect on the person who died – the memories you shared, the life they lived and the things that mattered to them.
And you don't have to make it all at once. You can put one object in the box, put it down and come back to it later.
The possibilities are endless: photos, ornaments, recipes, scents, tickets, jewellery, cards and mugs are just a few examples.
If you've lost a baby, it can be especially hard to know what to put in the memory box. Some people choose pregnancy scans, a toy or a blanket.
Once you've filled your memory box, you need to decide where to put it.
Where to keep a memory box
Just as there are no right or wrong things to put in a memory box, so there's no right or wrong place to put it.
Many people, however, prefer to put their boxes somewhere safe and accessible. This could be a drawer, cupboard, mantlepiece or loft.
Where you store the box will depend on how often you want to look at it. It will also depend on the space available in your home.
If your memory box is in a USB stick or external hard drive, be sure to put it where you can find it later.
And if your memory box is online, make sure it's secure. Use a trusted online storage provider and give your account a strong password.
What are memory bears?
Memory boxes are just one way to remember a loved one. Another popular choice is a memory bear. This is a bear made from the clothing of a person who died.
A memory bear can bring comfort and keep the memory of a loved one alive. It can be personalised further with a message, initials or other design.
Making a memory box to pass on
So far, we've looked at memory boxes for people who have died. However, you may want to make one for the people you leave behind.
This could include a letter or message to your loved ones. It could feature photos, videos or other objects.
If you make a memory box to pass on, make sure to leave it where it can be found or tell a loved one where you've left it.
What is an online memorial webpage?
More and more people are choosing to remember their loved ones through a digital memorial. This is a
memorial page for loved ones that features pictures, videos and testimonials of a person who died.
Here at Treasured Moments, we craft each memorial page by hand. There's no "one-size-fits-all", and we work closely with you to make sure the page is a fitting tribute.
If you'd like to learn more about Treasured Moments,
get in touch with our team or see
how our online remembrance service works.
